Vice Principal - Sailing School

Vice Principal - Sailing Centre

Location: Southampton

Salary: £40-50K DOE

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, First Class Sailing, a leading sailing school, for an experienced and dynamic Vice Principal to oversee the day-to-day operations of their busy training centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and commercially minded professional with a passion for sailing, education, and team leadership.

About the Role

As Vice Principal, you will be responsible for the smooth running of the centre. You will play a key role in ensuring occupancy levels are met and that the highest standards of training, customer experience, and operational efficiency are achieved. While this is a predominantly shore-based leadership role, there will be opportunities to sail and teach if desired.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the sailing school, ensuring smooth booking, course delivery, and a high-quality student experience.
2. Co-ordinate marketing and sales efforts, manage budgets, staffing, and resources effectively to meet business objectives.
3. Lead and support a team of full-time and part-time staff and freelance instructors in line with company standards.
4. Ensure that all training equipment is maintained to a high standard.
5. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, safety protocols, and RYA training standards is maintained.
6. Act as a key point of contact for students and instructors, resolving any issues that arise.
7. Drive the development and growth of the centre, contributing to business strategy and customer engagement.

About You

1. Experienced Yachtmaster Instructor or similar background, with a passion for sailing and education.
2. Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in team coordination and HR responsibilities.
3. Commercially minded with an understanding of budgets, sales, marketing, and customer service.
4. Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive, hands-on approach.
5. Knowledge of boat maintenance and refits.
6. Enthusiastic, dependable, and committed to maintaining high standards.

This is a unique opportunity to take on a leadership role in a thriving sailing school, helping to shape its future while maintaining an active connection to the world of sailing.